SHOULDER PAD MANDATE EFFECTIVE 

JANUARY 2022!

Points of Emphasis

• Effective January 1, 2022, shoulder pads for boys’ field players must be designed for lacrosse and meet NOCSAE standard ND200. Products are now available.
• Effective January 1, 2021, boys' and girls' goalie chest protectors must be designed for lacrosse and meet the NOCSAE standard, ND200.
• All chest protectors and shoulder pads must contain the NOCSAE logo and SEI certification mark on both the packaging and the product to be legal for play.

IMPORTANT:  At this time, the implementation date requiring that shoulder pads designed for lacrosse and meeting NOCSAE standard ND200 remains as January 1, 2022. USA Lacrosse is aware of concerns raised by some that there will not be enough products for the start of the 2022 season. USA Lacrosse has spoken with multiple manufacturers and retailers, and they do not expect any shortages or delays that will affect the start of next season. If there are any changes or new developments, USA Lacrosse will keep our members updated with the latest information. (posted Sept 15, 2021).

For online purchasing google lacrosse shoulder pads compliant with January 2022 mandate.  There are several links to vendors with supplies in stock. 

In addition, LaxUnleashed has shoulder pads on order.  Please check with the store for updates on inventory.  Website link here; https://laxunleashed.com/

What is NOCSAE ND200?

NOCSAE ND200 is the first-ever performance standard for chest protection. Product compliance with ND200 reduces impact forces and thus the risk of commotio cordis (cardiac arrest due to a blow to the heart area). 

Beginning in 2022, all field players in the boys’/men’s game must have shoulder pads or protectors that meet the NOCSAE performance standard. Manufacturers have already begun to introduce chest protection for boys’ field players into the marketplace. USA Lacrosse encourages field players of all ages to begin using protection as soon as they can, rather than waiting for the 2022 mandate.

All equipment that must meet a performance standard and is certified by a 3rd party in boys’ or girls’ lacrosse is mandatory. 

How do I know that the chest pads I purchase meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard?

All products that meet the NOCSAE standard, ND200, must be certified by the independent Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) and include the NOCSAE Lacrosse label shown above. Consumers are also encouraged to check the SEI website (https://www.seinet.org/search.htm) under Program: Chest Protectors (Lacrosse) to verify that the specific brand is listed as approved. 

Make sure the vendor you are purchasing from state the pads are compliant with new January 2022 regulations. 

Parents, this rule is NOT going away.  We cannot emphasize this enough.  This mandate is for SAFETY and must be complied with by January 2022.  Notifications by USA Lacrosse and GBYLA have been issued multiple times over the last year.  If you have not already purchased compliant shoulder pads for your player, we strongly urge you go online and order now.  Check with LaxUnleashed frequently for updates on local supply. 

For complete information please visit USA Lacrosse; https://www.usalacrosse.com/lacrosse-chest-protector-faq